A Jamaican working overseas says any thrust by Jamaica to capitalise on the lucrative global health tourism market, must be driven by the government if it is to be successful.

Dr Jacqueline Watson, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the US-based Health Concepts International, says the government should adopt health tourism as an industry.

She also says Jamaica has a distinct advantage relative to other developing countries such as India and Costa Rica, which are currently engaged in health tourism, given its already-established position as a tourist destination.

Dr Watson also lists Jamaica’s proximity to the United States and the quality of its healthcare workforce as advantages.

Dr Watson made her comments at the fifth biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay yesterday during a panel discussion on Medical Tourism.

The conference is expected to continue today.

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